The City of St. Louis' Community Development Administration (CDA) is setting a concrete example of commitment to urban renewal by backing the Jubilee Community Development Corporation with a significant financial boost. A check of $4,787,030 is slated for presentation tomorrow, signaling a substantial investment in the rehabilitation of a historical building within the Fairgrounds neighborhood. The Eliot School, idle since 2004, is poised to transform into the Jubilee Wellness Center, a modern facility aimed at battling addiction and facilitating recovery.
The influx of dollars from the CDA are earmarked for the resurrection of the Eliot School Building, a structure with its own chapter in the annals of local history. According toan article from the City of St. Louis, the building, dating back to 1898, will now serve as an anchor in addressing some of the most pressing social challenges, including addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues, through the creation of the wellness center.
This project extends beyond the mere renovation of an old structure; it embodies a cooperative endeavor costing $24 million, inclusive of support from private, state, and federal sources. Such a monumental private development project north of the Delmar Divide is unprecedented in recent history. This is a collaborative approach to not only breathe new life into the building but also to honor its historical significance while serving the current needs of the community.
The center's design touts a capacity for 75-100 beds designated for recovery and transition, spaces for medical treatment, fellowship, training, and support services. These features are part of a holistic approach in collaboration with the Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA), an effort highlighted by the Jubilee's strong performance in providing programs that encapsulate physical, mental, and economic revival, as well as community reintegration. Additional developments by Jubilee CDC include the conversion of the defunct Economy Inn Motel into Gethsemane Home, a supportive housing center backed with a $1.157 million grant from CDA sources like HOME-ARP.
Notably, the Jubilee Community Development Corporation has established a proven track record of innovation within their societal role, having previously launched recovery homes, job training initiatives, and employment programs while managing hundreds of north St. Louis apartments. Their stories of success portray a consistent narrative of change and empowerment, enabling individuals to reclaim their lives and ascend to being community contributors. The Wellness Center stands as a harbinger of hope, as it opens opportunities to those grappling with some of the region's most daunting challenges, as per the City of St. Louis.
